OT - 'Foster Grandparents'

Rague
Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

I saw a flyer up somewhere for 'Foster Grandparents' and called - I have time I could donate.  

When I got the information from them, it seemed a bit 'demanding' for lack of a better word and wanting a bit more than I feel comfortable giving out on medical.  I do realize that if you are going to volunteer you do need to make a commitment but what I was told it seemed a bit too restrictive.  As I was told, I would have to either 'work' 3 days a week for 5  hrs a days or 5 days a week for 3 hrs a day.  To not be there, you have to schedule weeks in advance to have it off.  I do understand making a commitment and keeping it to the best possible BUT Drs appointments can be changed at the last 'minute' or can only be scheduled at certain times which might not work with the volunteer schedule, among other things that can come up.

When I talked to them before I got the medical form I was simply told that my Dr/PA had to clear me as 'OK' but then the form has a lot of questions that I feel is none of their business in an unsecured situation.  It wasn't simply that my PA says I'm healthy enough to volunteer but it also wanted all my DXs, ALL meds, my eye Dr to give all my DXs, my vision with and without my glasses.

Of course all my meds are listed with all of my Drs and that doesn't bother me at all but I do have 2 that are controlled substances and do not want them listed, with my name and address, in a non secure site and a volunteer site is non secured.

Any thoughts or experiences with this program?

Winyan - The Power Within

Susan

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    I just go visit people in

    I just go visit people in nusing homes-no commitment, make someone smile. Many times a resident woudl think i was their family (never visisted them) but if it made them happy for a monent-GOOD.

     

     

    I understand it's hard to make commitments and no flexibility-

    When I retire I would love to do meals on wheels-to caht while dropping off meals...

    Denise

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #3
    disneyfan2008 said:

    I just go visit people in

    I just go visit people in nusing homes-no commitment, make someone smile. Many times a resident woudl think i was their family (never visisted them) but if it made them happy for a monent-GOOD.

     

     

    I understand it's hard to make commitments and no flexibility-

    When I retire I would love to do meals on wheels-to caht while dropping off meals...

    Denise

    I do understand the need for

    I do understand the need for commitments and honoring them BUT - -. The way it was explained to me was too controling/limiting/demanding for me.  I do not have a 'job' I have to be at so I am free to make any appts I need for any time and I really like that.  I'm also free to be able to go on long tows at 'the last minute' with he gets one.  He likes to have me go with him to have someone to talk to - last Wed we went to Watford City, ND (oil boom area) to get a car.  Glad I did go - weather from Bowman to Belfield was horrendous both ways.  Basically blizzard conditions and major icing.  On the way back it took 2 1/2 hrs to go about 70 miles as the roads were so bad - there was even a snowplow in the ditch along with several semi's.  But I digress -sorry.

    I hadn't thought about visiting Nursing Homes.  Will look into it.  Might try to find out if my bunny could become a Therapy animal.  He is a Mini Rex, so small and incrediably soft.  He loves to be handled and sit on lap and petted -not just me but anyone.  He has never peed or pooped on anyone when handled.  He is lease trained and we are working on trying to do Rabbit Agility this summer.  So need to look into requirements for Therapy Animal (not to be confused,with Service Animals).

    I do have 3 yards I keep mowed to help ones who can't (for whatever reason) keep theirs mowed.  I love to mow and with my push mower, it's great exercise.

    Sorry for rambling on so - unfortunately I do at times.

    Winyan - The Power Within

    Susan

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #4
    disneyfan2008 said:

    I just go visit people in

    I just go visit people in nusing homes-no commitment, make someone smile. Many times a resident woudl think i was their family (never visisted them) but if it made them happy for a monent-GOOD.

     

     

    I understand it's hard to make commitments and no flexibility-

    When I retire I would love to do meals on wheels-to caht while dropping off meals...

    Denise

    OOPS - Majorly Dreaded Triple Post!

    Deleted for being a triple post! OOPS

  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #5
    disneyfan2008 said:

    I just go visit people in

    I just go visit people in nusing homes-no commitment, make someone smile. Many times a resident woudl think i was their family (never visisted them) but if it made them happy for a monent-GOOD.

     

     

    I understand it's hard to make commitments and no flexibility-

    When I retire I would love to do meals on wheels-to caht while dropping off meals...

    Denise

    OOPS - Dreaded Double Post

    Deleted for being a Dreaded Double Post!

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #6
    Rague said:

    OOPS - Majorly Dreaded Triple Post!

    Deleted for being a triple post! OOPS

    Hey Susan

    I do love your posts.........so don't worry about rambling because I bet I am not the only one who loves reading them.

    I think it is wonderful that you are seeking ways to help others and to do constructive things now that you have the time.   My Step Daughter and her husband did the Foster Parent thing years ago....they specialized in troubled teens and after going thru all the rigamarole of getting set up they were ready and willing to go at a moment's notice to pick up a troubled teen.   They had 4 children of their own...and the entire family had decided and agreed to do that and it was a wonderful thing for them for years.   I haven't known anybody doing the Foster Grand Parent thing yet ...but I can understand not wanting to answer all the questions etc.   Let us know if you do pursue it because I imagine there are great rewards there.

    ............My neighbor volunteered at Hospice and another friend volunteered at several hospitals. I am so much older and now I find I don't have the energy or time for doing that kind of thing myself.  Glad you didn't get stuck in a snow ditch the other day.....   My A/C is running full out and it is about 85 degrees in my driveway at 7:30 pm  .............  hugs,   Glo

     

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